Hon. Chris Nehikhare, the former Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State (2014–2022), has given a progress report on reconciliation efforts in the South Senatorial District.
He stated: “In the last few weeks, deliberate and encouraging steps have been taken to promote reconciliation within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in Edo South Senatorial District.
“Concerned leaders and stakeholders of our great party initiated consultations aimed at rebuilding unity and restoring the spirit of comradeship that once defined the PDP. As part of these efforts, a group of party faithful met with a key leader and founding father of the PDP in Edo State, appealing to him to provide leadership for a reconciliation process in Edo South.
“The objective was simple but crucial: to bring together the various tendencies within the party and create a platform for sincere dialogue so that we may once again speak with one voice.”
According to him, “since that initial engagement, the reconciliation initiative has gathered momentum. The group has held several follow-up meetings, each attracting more stakeholders, leaders and committed members of the PDP who are eager to see our party regain its strength and cohesion.
“The growing participation is itself a testament to the shared desire across Edo South to put the past behind us and focus on rebuilding our party.”
The former Commissioner for Communications and Orientation in the state expressed his pleasure “that contacts have now been established with key leaders across the different tendencies within the party, opening important channels of communication.
“These engagements are being undertaken with a clear appreciation of the directive of the Appeal Court and the need for political maturity at this critical moment in the life of our party.”
He asserted that the party “has already made significant progress in fostering understanding and rebuilding trust among stakeholders. The atmosphere of discussion has been constructive, frank and forward-looking. The sense of camaraderie and renewed commitment to the PDP has been evident at every stage of the meetings so far.”
While acknowledging that, “in the heat of recent political disagreements, some members have sought refuge in other political platforms, we remain confident that the ongoing reconciliation process will create the environment for honest conversations and mutual understanding. As unity returns and confidence is restored, we believe many will see renewed reasons to return home to the PDP.”
Hon. Nehikhare believes that the rebuilding of the PDP has begun and “what we are witnessing today in Edo South is the first step toward restoring the PDP as a formidable political force in Edo State.
“We also encourage leaders and stakeholders from Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts to adopt this same template of dialogue, consultation and reconciliation, so that together we can reorganize and rebuild one strong, united and formidable PDP across Edo State.”
In conclusion he affirmed that “with sustained dialogue, patience and sincerity of purpose, we are confident that the Peoples Democratic Party will once again emerge stronger, more united, and ready to reclaim its position as the party to beat in Edo State.”
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